The Jason Garrett era in Dallas has been defined by excruciating, inexplicable losses. At times it feels like the Cowboys are constructing games carefully in order to inflict the most pain on their fans and themselves.

5. Everyone will kill Cowboys coach Jason Garrett for throwing the ball so much late in the game. But Romo had two chances to end the game and he missed throws. If he completes a deep pass to an open Dez Bryant on the second-to-last drive, the Cowboys win the game. He underthrew Bryant.

On Romo's first interception, Miles Austin was open for a huge gain. Romo was pressured and made a bad throw. This was more about execution than coaching.

6. Romo had a run-pass option on the throw to Austin.

"I think he'll be the first one to tell you he probably should have run the ball in that situation," coach Jason Garrett said after the game.

7. This feels like the end for the Cowboys, but it's not at all. All they have to do is beat Washington next week to set up a potential win-and-in situation against Philadelphia in Week 17. The Eagles' loss in Minnesota on Sunday saved Dallas from early elimination.

Green Bay, meanwhile, is very much alive in the NFC North race at 7-6-1. If quarterback Aaron Rodgers could somehow return next week, the Packers could wind up winning their last two games and getting into the playoffs.